Packaging with a mission makes a world of difference

Topa continues to reinvent itself as a pioneer of sustainable packaging and innovative solutions. During a conversation with Guy Proost, market campaign manager of Topa, and Arjan Voshart, manager of the Topa Institute, it became clear that the company's mission goes beyond just supplying products. It is about telling an honest story and shaping a sustainable future together with customers.

"We want our customers to understand why we do what we do," says Proost. "It's not just about cost savings or efficiency, but about creating a better world by making the right choices in packaging. The story has to be right. Transparency in sustainability is essential."

Voshart adds: "Our customers appreciate the fact that we not only offer products, but also support throughout the chain. From testing to optimizing logistics processes. The Topa Institute plays a crucial role in this."

Topa Institute: the engine behind innovation

The Topa Institute, part of the Topa Group, has been a unique research and development center for 40 years. Here - among other things - packaging is tested and optimized to prevent damage during transport and reduce costs. "We don't just test," Voshart explains. "We simulate reality. Think of vibrations, shocks, and temperature fluctuations. This gives customers real insight into how their products can be protected, even under the harshest conditions."

"This transparency is reflected in another of the company's core philosophies: achieve more with less packaging material. "It has always been important, but now more than ever," emphasizes Proost. "We don't just want to reduce packaging, we want to help customers simplify their entire logistics process. Less waste, less material, but more efficiency and sustainability."

Less packaging, more impact

A good example is a Topa customer operating in the technology industry. Topa designed new packaging that is not only more compact and lighter, but also meets the strict ISTA 3A standards. By using only recycled cardboard, the customer saved nearly 6,000 kg of CO2 annually and drastically reduced the number of returns. With this approach, Topa helps companies save costs and make their logistics processes more sustainable.

The foundation for this approach was laid by the former, and unfortunately recently deceased, business manager, of the Topa Group, Loek Dijkman, who said 40 years ago, "We want to reduce the amount of packaging material for the customer, because it is cheaper and better for the environment." This philosophy of responsibility and sustainability is still at the heart of everything Topa does. "It's not just about what you pack, but how you pack and with what impact. Packaging has to fit the product, the customer and the world we live in," Voshart completes.

Sustainable future packaging

Topa has very ambitious sustainability goals. The group has already reduced its CO2 emissions by 38%. This puts it ahead of its targets, but it still has a way to go. "We don't see sustainability as a trend, but as a responsibility," says Proost. "It is a continuous process of improvement, together with our customers and partners."

Topa's sustainable ambitions, meanwhile, are underscored by their performance on the Ecovadis sustainability assessment. Ecovadis is an internationally recognized platform that rates companies on their sustainability performance, including environmental impact, ethics, working conditions and sustainable sourcing. "The result? A bronze medal! This shows that we have made significant progress in recent years. At the same time, it emphasizes that there is still plenty of room for further growth and improvement," Voshart concludes.